- Adults (18 and over) who smoke more than 10 a day: use one 21mg patch a day for 6 weeks, then Step 2 (14mg) for 2 weeks, then Step 3 (7mg) for 2 weeks. You can carry on longer if you need to. If you are still using patches after 9 months, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Young people aged 12 to 17: follow the same steps, but use patches for 12 weeks in total and get advice before using them for longer. Do not combine with nicotine gum or lozenges.
- Apply one patch a day, ideally when you wake up, to clean, dry, hairless skin that is not red, broken or irritated. Avoid creases and joints. Press it down firmly with your palm for at least 10 seconds, especially around the edges.
- Leave it on for 24 hours. If it disturbs your sleep you can take it off at bedtime (after about 16 hours), but it may then do less for cravings first thing in the morning.
- Use a different area of skin each day, and do not use the same area again for at least 7 days. Wash your hands with water only after applying, as soap can increase the nicotine absorbed.
- You can shower, bathe or swim with the patch on. If it falls off, put on a new one somewhere else and carry on as normal.
- Fold used patches in half, sticky sides together, and dispose of them safely, out of reach of children and pets.
- Adults (18 and over) who are heavy smokers, have relapsed before, or find one product is not enough may use the patches with NiQuitin gum or lozenges. Ask your pharmacist before combining them.
Safety information
Who should not use it
Do not use if you are allergic to nicotine or any of the ingredients, if you are a non-smoker or occasional smoker, or on children under 12.
Warnings & precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have recently had a heart attack or stroke or have a serious heart rhythm problem (if you are in hospital for one of these, try to stop without nicotine replacement unless your doctor advises otherwise); heart disease, angina or high blood pressure, if you plan to combine patches with gum or lozenges; diabetes (check your blood sugar more often when you start, as your treatment may need adjusting); a stomach or duodenal ulcer or an inflamed oesophagus; serious kidney or liver problems; an uncontrolled overactive thyroid or phaeochromocytoma; epilepsy; allergic eczema or dermatitis; or have had allergic swelling of the lips, face or throat. Stopping smoking can change how some other medicines work, so tell your doctor or pharmacist about anything else you take. Nicotine can cause severe, even fatal, poisoning in children. Keep new and used patches out of their reach.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, it is best to stop smoking without nicotine replacement. If you cannot, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse: start as early in pregnancy as possible and ideally use it for only 2 to 3 months. Oral products may be preferred, but patches can suit you if you feel sick. If you are breastfeeding, try to stop without nicotine replacement first. If you need it, the amount of nicotine your baby receives is small and less harmful than smoking. Oral products may be preferred. Breastfeed just before putting on a patch to reduce your baby's exposure. Do not combine patches with oral nicotine products while pregnant or breastfeeding unless a healthcare professional advises it.
Possible side effects
Very common: redness, itching, burning or tingling where the patch was applied, trouble sleeping or unusual dreams, nausea, headache and dizziness. Common: nervousness, shaking, palpitations, indigestion, stomach pain, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, sweating, tiredness and muscle or joint aches. Take the patch off and tell your doctor if a skin reaction is severe, lasts more than 4 days or spreads. Get medical help straight away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as wheezing, chest tightness, a rash or feeling faint. Some symptoms, such as low mood, irritability, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating, can be caused by stopping smoking itself.
Always read the label
This is a medicine. Always read the label and patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
